The Monsgeek M1 V5 has finally arrived, and it’s safe to say this keyboard is a big step forward in the world of mechanical keyboards. If you’ve been following the evolution of the Monsgeek M1 series, you already know how much love and attention these keyboards have gotten over the years. But with the V5, Monsgeek isn’t just making incremental updates—they’re raising the bar. This latest version has features catering to beginners who want a ready-to-go setup and enthusiasts who love tinkering under the hood. From its sleek aluminium design to impressive wireless connectivity options and easy disassembly, the M1 V5 feels like a keyboard that truly understands what people want in 2025.
What stands out right away is how Monsgeek has managed to balance innovation with affordability. You’re getting an exploded 75% layout with a rotary knob for volume control, gasket mounting for a comfy typing experience, and a massive 8,000mAh battery that’ll keep you going for weeks on end. And let’s not forget the VIA compatibility, which makes customizing your keymap as easy as opening a web browser.
But here’s the thing: while the specs sound great on paper, how does the M1 V5 actually perform? After spending some quality time with it—typing, gaming, modding, and even comparing it to its predecessor, the M1 V1—I can confidently say this keyboard has earned its spot in the competitive keyboard scene. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn close.
Design and Build Quality
The Monsgeek M1 V5 is a keyboard that really nails the design and build quality department, especially for its price point. It’s clear that Monsgeek put thought into refining what worked in earlier versions while addressing some of the quirks people didn’t love. The M1 V5 sticks with the exploded 75% form factor, which is a layout that’s become pretty popular among keyboard enthusiasts. It’s not quite a full-size keyboard, but it’s also not as compact as a 60% or 65%. Instead, it sits right in the middle, giving you most of the keys you’d need for everyday use without taking up too much desk space.
The case is made from full aluminum, which gives it a premium feel without breaking the bank. It’s not overly flashy or overdesigned—it’s sleek, clean, and minimalistic, which is exactly what many keyboard enthusiasts are looking for these days. They’ve ditched the golden side accents that were a staple in older models like the M1 V1, and honestly, the new look feels more modern and versatile.
One thing that stands out right away is how they’ve handled the bezels and the knob. The bezels are thinner compared to previous versions, and the rotary knob on the top right corner is bigger now—the larger knob feels better to use and has decent tactile feedback when you turn it. By default, it controls volume, but you can customize it to do other things if you want. There’s still a small issue with the knob, though. If you press it off-center, there’s a chance it might touch the case, which could scratch the finish. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you’re someone who uses the knob frequently.
Another big win here is how easy it is to take the keyboard apart. Monsgeek swapped out screws for a magnetic ball catch mechanism, and it makes opening the case a breeze. You don’t need tools or a lot of patience—just pop off the top frame, and you’re in. This is great for modders who like to tinker, but even if you’re not into mods, it’s nice to know you can get inside without much hassle. Once you’re in, you’ll notice they’ve included silicone gasket socks instead of the thicker gasket jackets used in older models. These smaller gaskets give the keyboard a cushioned typing feel without being overly bouncy. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a noticeable difference.
The barebones version comes ready for assembly, so all you need to do is slap in your switches and keycaps, and you’re good to go. If you opt for the pre-built version, you’ll get plate-mounted stabilizers already installed and lubed, but there’s also a set of PCB-mount stabilizers included in the box if you prefer those. The stabilizers themselves are solid—no rattling or annoying pinging sounds, which is always a plus. The polycarbonate plate under the hood adds to the stability while keeping the sound profile balanced. It’s not too hollow or tinny, and the layers of foam inside the case help dampen any unwanted resonance.
Speaking of the case, it’s worth mentioning how clean and functional the design is. There’s no crazy backlit branding or unnecessary flair—just a straightforward, elegant look that works well on any desk. The dimensions are compact enough to save space but still comfortable to type on for long sessions. At 333mm x 146mm, it’s not too big or too small, striking a good balance for most users. The typing angle is set at 6°, which feels natural and doesn’t strain your wrists after hours of use. And while there aren’t adjustable feet, that’s pretty standard for keyboards in this style.
Weight-wise, the M1 V5 tips the scales at around 1.8 kg fully built, so it’s hefty enough to stay put on your desk without sliding around. That heft adds to the feeling of durability and quality. The aluminum construction feels rock-solid, and even though the design is simple, it exudes a sense of craftsmanship that’s hard to find in this price range. The coating process has changed too—they’ve moved from anodizing to spray coating, which gives the case a matte finish. Some people might miss the glossy look of the older versions, but the new finish feels more practical and less prone to fingerprints or scratches.
The attention to detail extends to the connectivity options as well. The mode switcher is cleverly hidden under the caps lock key, letting you toggle between Mac and Windows layouts without cluttering the design. Sure, it’s a bit small and might require you to remove the keycap to use it comfortably, but it’s functional enough once you get used to it. Plus, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB-C wired connections were included.
Switches and Stabilizers
The Monsgeek M1 V5 gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to switches, and that’s one of the things that makes it so appealing. The pre-built version comes loaded with some solid switch choices, but if you go barebones, you can really make this keyboard your own by picking exactly what feels and sounds right for you. It’s hot-swappable too, meaning you don’t need any soldering skills to swap out switches whenever you feel like changing things up.
If you’re going with the pre-built version, Monsgeek offers a few different switch types, all from Akko, which is known for making smooth and reliable switches. For example, you’ve got the Akko Rosewood V3, which is a linear switch—perfect if you hate the clicky or tactile feel and just want something buttery smooth. There’s also the Stellar Rose, which is a tactile switch with a nice little bump when you press it down. This one’s great if you enjoy some feedback while typing but don’t want the loud click of a mechanical switch. And then there’s the Creamy Purple Pro, another linear option that’s super smooth and quiet. These switches are already lubed and ready to go out of the box, so they feel pretty premium right away.
For those who choose the barebones version, the world is your oyster. You can throw in whatever switches you like, whether it’s something budget-friendly or high-end custom switches. One thing worth mentioning is how well the M1 V5 handles different types of switches. During testing, I tried several different ones, and the keyboard sounded amazing across the board. For instance, the Aquam Mirror switches were a standout. These are crisp, high-pitched switches that sound incredible on this board. They’re similar to some community-favorite switches like Cheese and Cloud, and they bring out a marbly or creamy tone thanks to the polycarbonate plate and dampening materials inside the case. If you’re into that kind of sound profile, these switches are definitely worth considering.
Another switch that performed well was the Sarus BCP, which has a deeper sound and works beautifully with the board’s natural acoustics. Even Epomaker Zebra switches sounded great, offering a mix of smoothness and satisfying bottom-out feel. Bottoming out feels consistently good no matter what switch you use, thanks to the silicone gasket socks and dampening layers inside the case. It’s not overly bouncy, but it’s not rock-hard either—it’s just right for long typing sessions without feeling fatigued.
Customization doesn’t stop at switches, though. The stabilizers are another area where you’ve got options. Out of the box, the Monsgeek M1 V5 comes with plate-mounted stabilizers that are pre-lubed, so they’re rattle-free and perform well without needing extra work. But if you prefer PCB-mounted stabilizers, Monsgeek includes a set of those in the box too. Swapping them out is straightforward, especially since the keyboard is so easy to open thanks to the magnetic ball catch mechanism. You don’t have to worry about screws or complicated disassembly—just pop off the top frame, and you’re in business.
Performance and Typing Experience
The Monsgeek M1 V5 delivers a typing experience that feels like a noticeable step up from its predecessors, and it’s clear they’ve put effort into refining the details. The gasket mounting style is one of the standout features here—it uses silicone gasket socks instead of the thicker gasket jackets found in older models like the M1 V1. This change gives the keyboard a softer, more cushioned feel without being overly bouncy. It strikes a nice balance between firmness and flexibility, making long typing sessions comfortable without feeling mushy. If you’ve ever used keyboards with foam gaskets that make the keys feel too springy, you’ll appreciate how the M1 V5 avoids that issue. It’s not completely rigid, but it doesn’t bottom out with a harsh clang either.
Typing on this board feels smooth and consistent no matter what switches you use. Even stock, the stabilizers are rattle-free and well-lubed, so big keys like the space bar or shift keys don’t produce any annoying pinging sounds. That’s a big deal because stabilizers can make or break a keyboard’s typing experience, and Monsgeek nailed it here. They even include PCB-mount stabilizers in the box if you prefer those over the plate-mounted ones that come pre-installed. Swapping them out is easy thanks to the magnetic ball catch mechanism, which makes opening the case a breeze. You don’t need tools or screws—just pop off the top frame, and you’re ready to tinker.
One thing worth mentioning is how stable the keyboard feels when typing. With all the foam layers left in place, there’s almost no flex or wobble when you press down on the keys. The layers include Poron plate foam, PET sheets, and thicker foam under the PCB, which work together to dampen vibrations and keep everything feeling solid. If you decide to remove the foam under the PCB, though, you might notice some uneven flex depending on where you press. Corners will flex more than the center, and the left side tends to feel bouncier compared to the right. This isn’t a dealbreaker unless you’re someone who really wants maximum flex for modding purposes, but it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to strip it down.
Sound-wise, the M1 V5 performs impressively right out of the box. It has a deeper tone thanks to the polycarbonate plate and dampening materials inside the case. It’s not overly hollow or tinny, but it’s also not super bassy—it strikes a nice middle ground. People who tried different switches on this board found that it sounded great across the board, whether using linear, tactile, or clicky switches. For example, the Aquam Mirror switches were a standout. These are crisp, high-pitched switches that sound fantastic on the M1 V5, with a marbly or creamy tone that’s similar to community-favorite switches like Cheese and Cloud. Bottoming out feels satisfying every time, thanks to the combination of the plate, foam, and gasket mounting.
For gamers, the performance is solid too. In wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, you get a full 1,000 Hz polling rate, which means input lag is virtually nonexistent. Bluetooth mode drops to 125 Hz, but honestly, it’s still responsive enough for everyday tasks like browsing or typing. Latency wasn’t an issue in any mode, and switching between devices was seamless.
Daily driving the M1 V5 feels intuitive and enjoyable. The magnetic ball catch mechanism makes disassembly quick and easy if you ever want to swap switches or try mods, but honestly, the stock configuration already sounds and feels amazing. Typing on it for hours didn’t cause any fatigue, and the keycaps sit at a comfortable height.
Software
The Monsgeek M1 V5 makes software customization pretty straightforward, and it’s one of the things that really sets it apart from some other keyboards in its price range. It uses VIA for programming, which is a huge plus because VIA is super easy to work with and works across multiple platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux. You don’t need to download separate software or deal with complicated setups. Just open the VIA web app, load the JSON file, and you’re ready to go. It’s as simple as that.
Once you’re in VIA, you’ve got full control over the keyboard. You can remap every single key, including the rotary knob, which is something not all keyboards let you do. By default, the knob controls volume, but you can change it to do other things if you want. For example, you could set it to adjust RGB brightness, scroll through lighting modes, or even act as a macro for certain tasks. The FN row is fully programmable too, so you can customize it to fit your workflow. Macros are easy to set up, and once they’re programmed, they work flawlessly no matter what operating system you’re using.
RGB lighting is another area where VIA shines. The south-facing LEDs on the M1 V5 provide bright, vibrant backlighting, and you’ve got 16 preset modes to choose from right out of the box. These modes can be toggled through using onboard key combos, but if you want more control, VIA lets you create your own custom lighting effects. You can adjust the brightness, speed, and direction of the animations, or even design static lighting patterns that match your setup.
There’s also a non-VIA version of the M1 V5 that uses Monsgeek’s proprietary driver instead. This version is only available fully assembled, but it still supports wireless connectivity and has the same battery capacity. The main difference is that you’ll need to use Monsgeek’s software for customization, which is limited to Windows. If you’re a Mac or Linux user, this could be a downside, but the VIA-compatible version avoids this issue entirely by offering cross-platform support.
Battery life
The Monsgeek M1 V5 boasts a battery life that’s nothing short of impressive, and it’s one of the standout features of this keyboard. With an 8,000mAh battery tucked inside, it’s clear Monsgeek wanted to make sure you wouldn’t be hunting for a charger anytime soon. That’s a big step up from the previous version, which had a 6,000mAh battery. The jump to 8,000mAh means you can go longer between charges, even if you’re using features like RGB lighting or running the keyboard in power-hungry modes. The keyboard also has a handy battery indicator feature. By pressing the function key and the space bar, you can check how much charge is left.
Charging the keyboard is straightforward too. You just plug it in via USB-C, and it starts recharging right away. While it doesn’t come with fast charging, the large battery capacity means you probably won’t need to charge it very often anyway. Once it’s fully charged, you’re good to go for days, weeks, or even months, depending on how you use it.
Final thoughts
The Monsgeek M1 V5 is a keyboard that feels like it’s been refined over years of feedback and iteration, and honestly, it shows. It’s not just another 75% keyboard with a rotary knob. At $89 for the barebones version and starting at $110 for pre-built options, it’s hard to argue against the value it brings to the table. For less than $130, you’re getting an aluminum case, wireless connectivity, VIA compatibility, and a massive 8,000mAh battery—all features that are typically found in keyboards costing much more.
Of course, it’s not perfect. There are a few quirks worth mentioning. The rotary knob, while bigger and better than before, can still touch the case if pressed off-center, which might scratch the finish. There’s also the issue of uneven flex if you remove the foam under the PCB, though most people probably won’t bother doing that since the stock setup already sounds fantastic. Still, these are small nitpicks in the grand scheme of things. The Monsgeek M1 V5 delivers an experience that feels polished and well-thought-out.
